Small Claims

A small claims case is a legal action filed in County Court to settle a claim or minor legal dispute in which demand for monies or the value of property does not exceed $8,000, excluding costs, interest, and attorneys' fees. Small Claims Court is less formal than other types of courts and parties usually represent themselves. However, if your case is complex, you may want to consider obtaining legal counsel.

Actions Handled

Some common types of actions handled in Small Claims Court include:

• Auto negligence
• Claims for money lent
• Claims for work done and materials furnished
• Claims of goods sold
• Promissory notes

Clerk Assistance

Florida Small Claims Rules permit the Clerk & Comptroller to provide general information and assistance in preparing a statement of claim and other documents needed to be filed in the action. The Clerk & Comptroller's Office will provide the necessary forms and instructions to file your claim. However, Florida law prohibits the Clerk & Comptroller from providing legal or financial advice.

We otherwise will do our best to offer assistance, or directions to a resource that can provide the information or support needed.

Forms

You may access printable small claims forms from our Small Claims forms page. For Confidentiality of Court Records forms, visit the Confidentiality of Court Records Forms page.  

These forms are also available for purchase at both of our Legal Resource Center locations.